This picnic table wasn’t the only thing to sustain damage when Hurricane Sandy visited Promised Land State Park in Greentown last week. The storm delivered dangerous 60 mph wind gusts and constant 25-mph wind, which proved too much for many of the trees that beautify the popular state park. Park staff estimate that there are at least 300 trees down. Power lines are littered with trees and snapped in some places.

The park lost power on the evening of October 29. Power has since been restored to the Park Office.

Areas most affected by the storm were those exposed to lake-driven winds. No staff or park visitors were injured. Falling trees damaged small sections of some of the park buildings, with the most extensive damage affecting a Bear Wallow Cabin where a large beech tree ripped a hole in the roof. The Bear Wallow Cabin colony is currently closed.

Beechwood Campground is currently the only open campground. It is open as a primitive campground with no running water, flush toilets or electricity. Reservations can currently only be taken at the park office. The park office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone lines are non-operational, but Internet access remains. While volunteer support is always welcome at the park, most of the storm-related damage must be addressed by park staff due to the dangerous conditions involved. Park trails are still open, but there are downed trees in many areas that could prevent access. Email PromisedLandsp@pa.gov to contact the park.